From the north to the south of Greece, a cultural mosaic

Attending Orthodox Easter on Mount Athos takes great patience and good luck. A site of supreme spirituality for millennia (it is mentioned in Greek mythology), and strictly forbidden to women, it only welcomes 100 visitors of the Orthodox faith and 10 of non-Orthodox faith every day. All entry permits to its monasteries are strictly regulated by the Mount Athos Pilgrims Office. A truly unique experience.

The story of a unique bird who became the island's mascot during its heyday in the 60s and 70s: found wounded in 1954 by a fisherman, the pelican was nursed and – when having fully recovered – became the local mascot, always roaming around town and being fed by the locals, who in turn named him Petros. Although Petros perished in 1986, three others have taken his place and – true to tradition – one of them now bears the same name.

Situated in the city centre, near the so-called three wells (“Tria Pigadia”), the Aegean Maritime Museum showcases the island's naval tradition with scale models of all kinds of vessels. Also, near the harbour, it contains a unique collection of sculptures, ceramics, and jewels from various sites in Mykonos, Delos and Rhenia.

Located near Ano Mera, the most ancient settlement on Mykonos, Paleokastro monastery is the best example of traditional Cycladic ecclesiastic architecture. Also near Ano Mera, the impressive Tourliani monastery was built in 1542, restored in 1767 and possesses a lovely carved-wood temple screen crafted in Florence. It also includes a small museum with Byzantine and Renaissance relics.

Out of the many sites in the area of Elounda, and if you only have a half-day on your hands, then make sure you take a boat ride to Spinalonga, the island-fortress with astonishing venetian fortifications and its old houses depicting traditional Cretan styles of architecture. If you happen to be chartering a private boat to Spinalonga, then do take a detour on the hidden side of the peninsula and swim in the bay of Kryos.

Many archaeological sites and musea, both in nearby Aghios Nikolaos and at the capital, Heraklion, showcase the great Minoan civilization. Both the palaces of Knossos and Phaestos are within easy driving distance, while the Byzantine churches on the Spinalonga peninsula can be visited on foot, just a stroll away from the hotel. Enjoy Crete!